ost require a rest from which to fire them.

The sun had set, and the short twilight of that southern latitude was
fast disappearing, yet sufficient remained to show the outline of the
speronara as the two vessels drew near to each other, though more
distant objects had long since been shrouded from sight. Her tapering
lateen sails now, as seen in one, appeared like the summit of a lofty
pyramid of dark hue, surrounded by the waves. Then, as they approached
still nearer, and she was almost abeam, the crew were seen standing up,
and watching them with eagerness. Instead, however, of attempting to
pass ahead of the brig, as she came near, she kept away so as pass close
under her quarter. Now came the anxious time. If she was about to
board, she would be alongside in another instant. Bowse, however, felt
that whatever might be his suspicions of her honesty, without some more
presumptive evidence of evil intentions, it would not do for him to
commence hostilities; he therefore, taking his speaking-trumpet in his
hand, went aft, and leaned ever the quarter-rail.

The speronara came rapidly on, and was close to.

"I have one message for you," exclaimed a voice from the deck of the
stranger, in Italian accents--"send boat here."

"I'll see you damned first," exclaimed Bowse. "I've no boat to send--
send yours," he shouted through his speaking-trumpet.

"Heave to, there--I send boat," was shouted in return from the
speronara; and she was immediately seen to hug the wind, her helm was
put down, and about she came on the other tack, the same on which the
_Zodiac_ was sailing, placing herself thus on their weather quarter.

"Keep her away," shouted Bowse to the man at the helm, thinking that the
speronara was about to board him; but immediately he saw he was
mistaken, for instead of her fore-sheet being eased off, it was kept to
windward, and, as she lay hove-to, he observed preparations to launch a
boat into the water. "I suppose, sir, we may let these fellows come on
board?" he said, addressing the colonel, who was by his side; "they can
do us no harm, and they may possibly have a message."

"As you think fit, Captain Bowse," returned the colonel, who was so
pleased with the master's coolness and bearing, that he no longer
refused to give him the usual title,--"I've no objection. They can't
eat us; and if they meditate running alongside, they will see we are
prepared for them."

"Put the helm down, my lad, round